Abstract: A call waiting deluxe method where a switching system forwards calls to a service node that provides specialized call processing, e.g., processing requiring text-to-speech, to a number of switching systems without requiring modification of the hardware design of those systems. Only calls to busy called stations are forwarded to the service node using a call forwarding-busy line feature to avoid unnecessary delays and excessive service node traffic for normal calls. The service node uses the same directory number that was initially dialed for the call, in invoking a call waiting-originating feature which takes precedence over the call forwarding-busy line feature and results in the transmission of a call waiting signal to the called station. The service node obtains the calling party name from a database and responds to a flash signal from the called station by speaking the calling party name to the called party.

Abstract: An improved call waiting feature implementation for use with conventional analog station sets. When a called station is busy, a call waiting signal is transmitted to the called station. If the called station flashes, a communication path betwaeen the previous caller and the called station is disconnected and the calling party name is spoken, using text-to-speech, to the called station. If the called party chooses to take the new call after learning the calling party name, the called station transmits a DTMF digit or allows the expiration of a predetermined time period without signaling. In response a communication path is completed between the second caller and the called station. If the called party chooses to instead return to the previous call, the called staion flashes. In response a communication path is completed between the previous caller and the called station.

Abstract: A communication station capable of transmitting audible speech represented by speech signals received on the line during the on-hook state. A calling party name may be spoken at the station without requiring the call to be answered. The station is also usable, while on-hook, for receiving voice messages, e.g., emergency warnings, transmitted from a central office or customer premises switch.

Abstract: A call announcement arrangement that obtains the calling party name from a database search and uses a text-to-speech unit to generate speech signals for transmission to the called communication station. The calling party name is spoken at the station instead of being displayed. For a conventional analog station, the name is spoken after the called party has answered in response to ringing at the station but before a connection is completed to the caller. The called party accepts the caller either by remaining off-hook or by transmitting a connection signal using, for example, flash or tone signaling. For other illustrative station equipment such as an ISDN speakerphone or a specially adapted analog speakerphone, the calling party name is spoken before the called party answers in place of or in addition to normal ringing. Caller-identifying speech signal are also transmitted to a station determined to be busy to announce the caller name for a call waiting call.